Recognizing Suspicious Behavior vs. Social Differences

Safety Positioning (Evacuation and Sheltering)

Introduction

Church safety teams have a unique responsibility to protect the congregation while maintaining a welcoming environment for all individuals. As safety volunteers, the challenge often lies in distinguishing between behaviors that are genuinely suspicious and those that are socially or neurologically different, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While ensuring the safety of the church is paramount, safety teams also need to remain vigilant against unintentionally alienating individuals who communicate or behave differently due to neurological differences.

Misinterpreting someone's actions as threatening—when in fact, they are simply due to a condition like ASD—can have negative consequences, such as unnecessary confrontations or even harm to an innocent person. This article will help church safety team members differentiate between suspicious behaviors and those stemming from autism or other social differences. By equipping volunteers with awareness, compassion, and actionable strategies, churches can be both safe and welcoming places for all.

What Counts as Suspicious Behavior?

Understanding what constitutes suspicious behavior is essential for effective church security. Suspicious behavior in a church context is typically any action that suggests a person might intend harm, cause disruption, or behave in a threatening way. Such behaviors may be deliberate and contextually out of place for a church environment.

Some key examples include:

• Concealing Identity or Objects: This includes wearing heavy clothing like coats, scarves, or hats in warm weather, or keeping hands in pockets or holding items tightly in a manner that could indicate the concealment of a weapon. A person who seems to be hiding something might be attempting to carry something dangerous unnoticed.
• Scanning and Surveillance: Someone who repeatedly looks around at exits, security cameras, or rooms instead of focusing on the service might be conducting surveillance. This is often a deliberate attempt to assess escape routes or figure out security measures, a common tactic used by those planning harmful actions.
• Anxiety or Nervousness Without Clear Reason: While it is natural to feel nervous when attending a new place or event, certain signs of anxiety can suggest someone might be preparing for harmful actions. Nervousness such as excessive sweating, darting eyes, or restless movements can be signs of stress, especially when they don't match the context of being a first-time visitor.
• Isolation and Avoidance: A person who isolates themselves, avoids making eye contact, or refuses assistance might be trying to avoid recognition or identification. They could also sit in an odd location, such as near an exit, and act in a way that suggests they are trying to remain unnoticed.
• Suspicious Items or Actions: This category includes carrying large or unusual bags, refusing to put them down, attempting to access off-limits areas, or leaving bags unattended. It also includes more explicit threatening behaviors, such as making muttering statements about violence or handling an object that looks like a weapon.

While any one of these behaviors might appear suspicious, context is critical. Safety teams should always look for patterns—multiple suspicious indicators often increase the likelihood of a threat. It's important to remember that safety teams should aim to observe and gather information, leading to a gentle inquiry or intervention, not immediate confrontation.

Traits of Autism and Other Social Differences

Autism and other social or neurological conditions can often manifest in behaviors that might appear odd or unusual, but they are not indicative of a threat. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) specifically affects how people communicate, interact, and behave, and while these differences may be noticeable, they should not be viewed as suspicious.

Here are some behaviors often seen in individuals with ASD or similar conditions:

• Difficulty with Eye Contact and Social Cues: Individuals with autism may find it uncomfortable to make eye contact or respond in the expected way to social cues. This could be perceived as evasiveness or dishonesty by someone unfamiliar with ASD, but for many on the spectrum, it’s a symptom of the condition rather than an indication of ill intent.
• Repetitive Movements (Stimming): People with ASD often engage in self-soothing behaviors, known as “stimming,” when they are anxious, overwhelmed, or excited. These behaviors can include repetitive actions like pacing, hand-flapping, or rocking back and forth. Although these behaviors may seem odd, they help manage sensory overload and provide comfort.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with autism have heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces. An autistic individual might cover their ears, wear noise-canceling headphones, or act distressed in response to sensory overload. These are signs of discomfort, not a threat.
• Unconventional Communication Styles: Communication in individuals with ASD can differ from what is considered typical. For example, some individuals may speak in a monotone voice, may not understand figurative language (such as jokes), or may offer blunt or literal responses to questions. These communication differences can seem unusual but are part of the way that some individuals experience the world.
• Distinct Emotional Expression: Autistic individuals may display emotions in ways that seem disconnected from the situation. They may appear flat in their expression or may laugh or smile at inappropriate moments. Such behavior is often due to internal processing rather than any negative intent.

These behaviors—while they may seem strange to those unfamiliar with ASD—are not dangerous. Many people with autism or other conditions simply experience the world differently and should not be misunderstood as threatening.

Why Misunderstandings Happen

Misunderstandings can arise when church safety team members do not recognize that some unusual behaviors are linked to autism or other conditions. For example, avoiding eye contact might be interpreted as a sign of guilt or dishonesty, but for someone with autism, it could be a response to social discomfort. Similarly, repetitive movements or fidgeting, often perceived as suspicious, may actually be a form of stimming that helps an individual cope with anxiety.

Lack of awareness can lead to unnecessary confrontations or escalation, which is why education about social and neurological differences is so crucial. In some cases, misunderstandings have led to tragic outcomes, particularly in law enforcement, where individuals with autism or mental health conditions have been mistakenly perceived as a threat, often leading to violent interactions.

Practical Tips for Safety Teams: Awareness and Action

Church safety teams can avoid misunderstandings by practicing patience, empathy, and awareness. Here are some practical tips:

1. Observe Calmly: Take a moment to assess unusual behavior before jumping to conclusions. Look for context—does the person seem alone, or are they with family? Are they engaged in the service or focusing on something else?
2. Approach with Kindness: A simple greeting or offer of assistance can provide clarity about someone’s behavior. Often, a friendly approach will put the person at ease and allow you to better assess the situation.
3. Ask Discreet, Non-Accusatory Questions: A polite, open-ended question can help clarify the person’s intentions without seeming confrontational. For example, “Is this your first time here?” or “Can I help you find a seat?”
4. Look for Assistance or Identification: If the person has a caregiver or family member with them, ask for assistance. Many people with autism carry identification or alert cards that can help you understand the situation.
5. Trust Your Instincts, but Balance with Training: While your instincts are valuable, they should be tempered with knowledge and training. Safety teams should prioritize training on autism and other social differences to improve their ability to discern benign behaviors from potential threats.
6. De-escalate if Necessary: If you determine that the person is experiencing sensory overload or distress, try to de-escalate the situation by speaking softly, reducing environmental stimuli, and giving the person space.
7. Debrief and Learn: After any encounter, take time to debrief with your team. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and how the team can learn from the experience to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.

Conclusion

Misunderstandings between suspicious behavior and social differences can easily occur in a church setting, but they can often be avoided with proper training and awareness. By recognizing the signs of autism and other neurological conditions, church safety teams can provide a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals. A vigilant yet compassionate approach will ensure that the church is both secure and inclusive, offering everyone the protection and support they need.